Religion Briefs: Celebration of Peace set for May 6 at First Presbyterian

On Sunday, May 6 at 11 a.m., First Presbyterian Church of Westminster invites all to join them for a “Celebration” worship service with the theme of “peace,” based on the scripture: Numbers 6:24-26.

A variety of musical presentations by the Bell Choir,Children’s Choir, Praise Band, Youth Choir, Chancel Choir and a flute quintet will enrich the inspiring messages of peace that will be shared through readings, a skit presented by our youth and prayer. The service will encourage reflection on inner peace, peace with our neighbors and community and world peace.

First Presbyterian Church is located at 65 Washington Road, Westminster. For further information contact our church office at 410-861-5600.

Finksburg prayer breakfast set for April 28

The annual Finksburg community prayer breakfast will be held Saturday, April 28 and hosted by the Mount Zion Church in Finksburg. The breakfast begins at 8 a.m. with a free light continental breakfast. Reservations are requested to Dwight at 410-861-8464 or to Lee at 410-861-8345.

Guest speakers are Dave Berry who heads the “Dad’s Works” program which is helping families by serving fathers every step of the way. The non-profit program helps men improve their lives and the life of the family. Another speaker is the Rev. Peter Whatton from Bath, England who will share briefly on the faith of a Christian man. All men in the community are invited to attend and share the fellowship and prayer time.

Mount Zion is located at 3006 Old Westminster Pike. For more information contact Pastor Lou Piel at 410-751-9049 or visit mtzionumc-finksburg.org.

Salem Bottom Boys to play in Deer Park UMC worship service

On Sunday, April 29, members of the local bluegrass band, The Salem Bottom Boys, will share their gospel music at Deer Park United Methodist Church, 2205 Sykesville Road/Md. 32, Westminster, in the Smallwood area at the intersection of Deer Park Road. The band will sing a wide selection of gospel songs as part of the single 10:00 a.m. worship service, open to all.

For more information, call the church office at 410-848-2313.

Faith Lutheran marks Day of Prayer

On Thursday, May 3, Faith Lutheran Church in Eldersburg will commemorate the 66th annual National Day of Prayer, “Pray for America – Unity” based on Ephesians 4:3, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

The church will hold an open house from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., providing prayer stations, an evangelism table with handouts, and light refreshments. At noon the pastor will join other religious leaders of many faiths throughout the nation by simultaneously reading a special prayer. Shortly after the prayer service is complete, there will be a free showing of the movie, “The Case for Christ.”

Wesley UMC offering GriefShare

Wesley United Methodist Church in Hampstead is offering GriefShare, which is group help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through May 15. For more information, contact Wesley United Methodist at the church office, 3239 Carrollton Road, Hampstead, or by calling 410-374-4027.

Strawbridge Shrine accepting applications

The historic Strawbridge Shrine, site of the first home of Wesleyan Methodism in the United States, is now receiving applications for spring, summer and fall tours. Located on Strawbridge Lane off Wakefield Valley Road in New Windsor, the Shrine property features the original Strawbridge house, the historic John Evans House and the replica of the 1764 Log Meeting House.

Those interested can learn more about the Strawbridge Shrine by visiting www.strawbridgeshrine.org. The Strawbridge Shrine historic buildings and Visitors Center can be made available most days by scheduling your personal or group visit with the curator. For information about tours, contact Curator Helen Kemp at 410-635-2600. In addition, April through October, the Shrine is open for drop-in visits during the following regular hours, although a phone contact in advance is recommended: Fridays and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information contact Lou Piel at 410-751-9049 or julo1@verizon.net.

The Carroll County Times regularly publishes Religion Briefs about news from local places of worship, from new clergy to guest speakers to special services and classes. Photos are published as space allows and must be sent as JPG attachments, with caption information included. Items must be received no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday to be considered for that Saturday’s edition. Submit information to bob.blubaugh@carrollcountytimes.com or mail to 115 Airport Drive, Suite 170, Westminster, MD 21157. Our website, www.carrollcountytimes.com, features a listing of local places of worship and their regular services. Community-oriented events are published Sundays in our Carroll Planner. For more information, call 410-857-7891.

As a free service, the Carroll County Times regularly publishes photos from local places of worship in the Saturday print edition and now online in this photo gallery. Photos must be sent as JPG attachments, with caption information included. Items must be received no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday to be considered for that Saturday’s print edition. Submit information to news editor Bob Blubaugh at bob.blubaugh@carrollcountytimes.com or mail to 115 Airport Drive, Suite 170, Westminster, MD 21157.